You always hear that eating junk food is bad for your health, but do you know just how harmful it can be? Foods saturated with fats, high cholesterol levels, and additives only damage your well-being. They might bring you momentary pleasure, but down the road, things can take an unpleasant turn.
Heart disease is the primary cause of noted deaths in the United States. Due to this, open heart surgery has become the norm. However, there are many things that should be considered beforehand. This includes the long-term side effects people face after open heart surgery and what to expect once it’s all over and done with.
What is Open Heart Surgery?
An Open Heart Surgery — also known as CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) — is an operation that requires your chest to be cut open. With a minor incision to start, this surgery focuses on your coronary artery and the process of having it replaced with a healthier one. There are many types of heart surgery which will be adopted based on the patients condition and cardiologist recommendation.
The thought of your chest being sliced in half may sound daunting, but it’s all easy to repair and recover from.
When do you need Open Heart Surgery?
A CABG is required when the arteries that carry blood to your heart get clogged up with fat. Thus, without enough blood being pumped into your heart, your body goes into shock, causing a heart attack.
In order to restore your vitality, the previously blocked artery is removed and replaced with a fresher and clearer one. Usually, an artery from your leg is harvested and grafted to your heart.
Are There Any Long-term Side Effects of Open Heart Surgery?
Undergoing surgery to patch up your heart is bound to have repercussions. However, in the long run, the side effects of open heart surgery are not as detrimental as you might believe. You will definitely have to go through some ups and downs, but nothing too crazy. Here are a few things you should expect after a CABG that can help you understand and predict long-term effects:
- Dietary Changes You will have to make major changes to your diet. After your surgery, your doctor will craft a meal plan full of protein and essential nutrients for you to follow. Not to mention, you most likely will also have to give up smoking and drinking for the foreseeable future.
- Brain Fog After the surgery, your cognitive abilities might slow down, but that is nothing to worry about. This effect lasts only for a few weeks before everything returns to normal. Nonetheless, in rare cases, people can experience fuzziness and memory loss as a long-term side-effect.
- Emotional Rollercoaster Rides Just like after every life-changing event, open heart surgery is bound to take you on wild emotional rides. Frequent mood swings and depressive episodes are some of the common effects. But with proper care and treatment, you’ll be able to seize back the reins of your life.
- Incorporating Activity It is vital to stay active after your surgery. Exercising, long walks and runs should be a necessary addition to your daily life.
- One Day at a Time There may be challenging days followed by good ones, but don’t forget that life is a rollercoaster. It’s important you take it one day at a time; no rushing. It might take some getting used to, but these minor changes will one day lead you towards a happier and healthier lifestyle.
What to do Next?
Open heart surgery is not an easy option to choose, but one that is needed to save your life. Moreover, the long-term side effects of open heart surgery may seem overwhelming, but remember that you’re not alone. It’s a journey that requires you and your loved ones to sail together. Schedule an appointment with Octagos Health today by dialing 281-769-8733. Let us take care of your needs and set you down the road of health and prosperity.